‘In-Naħa L-Oħra’: New MUŻA Exhibition Spotlighting Francis Ebejer

Press Release│ 12 August 2025

Heritage Malta has opened a new exhibition titled ‘In-naħa l-oħra – Francis Ebejer il-pittur’, celebrating the birth centenary of one of Malta’s most revered cultural figures. The exhibition, hosted in a new exhibition space at MUŻA – the National Community Art Museum, in Valletta, runs till the 31st of August.

Born in the rural village of Ħad-Dingli in 1925, Francis Ebejer is best known as a distinguished playwright and novelist whose contributions in the sector – including novels, short stories, and plays that were published and performed internationally – transformed the local scene. His work resonated deeply with the Maltese public, not only for its literary merit but also for the way it challenged conventions and gave voice to the evolving identity of post-war Malta.

This new exhibition at MUŻA offers the public a chance to explore a lesser known and deeply personal side of Francis Ebejer’s creativity: his visual art. While Ebejer remains primarily celebrated for his literary legacy, painting became an important form of expression for him, particularly in his later years. It provided him with a space for introspection and abstraction, complementing his literary work and allowing him to delve into themes of identity, memory, and self-exploration in a completely different, yet equally expressive, medium.

‘In-naħa l-oħra – Francis Ebejer il-pittur’ brings together a curated selection of his visual works, including 14 art pieces – four recently acquired by the national collection and others generously loaned from his son Damian Ebejer’s private collection. Highlights include evocative paintings such as ‘Tal-Ħut (Fishwoman)’ and ‘Day’s End on Southern Cliffs’.

Personal artefacts like manuscripts, posters, awards, and Ebejer’s own typewriter, alongside a bronze bust by renowned sculptor Anton Agius, on loan from Spazju Kreattiv, also complement the display.

This exhibition is supported by the Akkademja tal-Malti and the Department of Theatre Studies at the University of Malta – led by Prof. Marco Galea, and features footage from the Public Broadcasting Services’ archives.

During the opening event, Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, Lands and the Local Government, explained how: “Francis Ebejer was a giant in Malta’s literature and art scene, who left an invaluable legacy in writing and painting. His works, both on stage and on canvas, reflect the social and cultural changes of our country in a profound and artistic way.”

“Today, we remember and honour him through this exhibition which brings out his artistic side. I wholeheartedly thank each person who contributed to this initiative,” he concluded saying.

Mario Cutajar, Chairman of Heritage Malta and MUŻA’s Director, remarked: “This exhibition presents Francis Ebejer in a new way, by showing him as a painter and not only as one of the leading writers in Maltese literature. It is fitting that on the 100th anniversary of his birth, the Maltese people look at Ebejer in a more holistic way, in all his art. MUŻA wants to give such opportunities because it aspires to celebrate artists from every angle – their creativity, views, thoughts and aspirations. It presents a space where artists have their say. MUŻA was born to involve the community, and it aspires to be at one with it, including in the initiatives being taken to make MUŻA an elevated experience.”

Entrance to this exhibition is free of charge, and a complementary illustrated catalogue accompanies it. The museum opens daily from 10:00 till 18:00. For more information visit https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/in-naha-l-ohra-francis-ebejer-il-pittur/.